RE: landing in crosswind
I agree with all the above. Another method which can get you down in one piece if you get the shakes is to just start your final approach parallel to the runway but at a distance that will cause the plane to end up over the runway when you touch down.
For example if the wind is blowing in your face, start your final parallel to the runway but 20 feet farther out past the runway. Fly in for a low approach, if you do not end up over the runway then fly arround again and start the final approach farther out toward the wind or closer in, whichever it needs.